Are you looking to buy or sell in cottage country? I am Brad Sinclair, a dedicated Real Estate Sales Specialist with Re/Max Professionals North. As a strategic marketer and expert problem solver, I specialize in navigating the rural and waterfront markets of the Kawarthas, Peterborough, and Haliburton areas.
We are the leading authority in this region. We don't just list homes; we look to earn your business by bringing you deep local knowledge, fierce representation, and unmatched service.
Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, Canada is introducing a wave of legislative changes that will affect everything from your bank balance and tax returns to international travel and citizenship.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a federal employee, or just someone looking to save a few dollars on bank fees, there is a lot to unpack. Here is a breakdown of the most significant laws and rules coming into effect this year.
1. Relief for Your Wallet: Tax Cuts and Bank Fees
The government is leaning heavily into "affordability" this year with several measures designed to keep more money in the pockets of average Canadians.
The Middle-Class Tax Cut: If you earn $57,375 or less, your personal income tax rate is dropping to 14% for the 2026 tax year (down from 15% in previous years). For a couple, this could mean an extra $840 back in your pocket.
Capping "NSF" Fees: Starting March 12, 2026, banks can no longer charge those predatory $45–$48 non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. They will be capped at $10. Furthermore, banks are prohibited from charging any fee if your account is overdrawn by less than $10.
Automatic Tax Filing: In a bid to ensure low-income Canadians don't miss out on benefits like the GST credit, the CRA will begin automatically filing taxes for about one million people this year.
2. Shifting Landscapes: Immigration and Citizenship
2026 marks a pivot point for Canada’s growth strategy, with the government tightening entry requirements while fixing long-standing citizenship loopholes.
Major Immigration Caps: For the first time in years, Canada is significantly scaling back. The new permanent residency cap is set at 380,000, and international student visas are being slashed to just 155,000 for the year. This is a massive drop from the 437,000 permits issued in 2025, reflecting a focus on housing and infrastructure sustainability.
The "Lost Canadians" Fix: Under Bill C-3, children born abroad to Canadian parents (who were also born abroad) can finally claim citizenship. This corrects a 2009 rule that was previously deemed unconstitutional. Parents just need to prove a "substantial connection" to Canada (living here for at least three years).
3. Housing and "Buying Canadian"
With trade relations with the U.S. remaining a hot topic, Canada is looking inward to bolster its own economy.
"Buy Canadian" Policy: By Spring 2026, federal spending will prioritize Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. This move is a direct response to U.S. tariffs and aims to protect local industrial jobs.
First-Time Home Buyer Rebates: If you’re looking to buy a newly built home valued up to $1 million, keep an eye on new legislation. There is a proposal to eliminate the GST/HST on these purchases, which could result in a massive $50,000 rebate.
4. Perks and Public Service
Canada Strong Pass: To encourage domestic tourism, the "Canada Strong Pass" returns this summer. It offers free or discounted access to national parks, museums, and VIA Rail travel.
Early Retirement for Feds: Starting January 15, federal employees aged 50+ with at least 10 years of service can apply for early retirement incentives as the government looks to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
School Food Program: The National School Food Program is now permanent. This ensures that 400,000 children across the country have access to reliable meals at school, with $216 million in annual funding secured.
What this means for you
The theme for 2026 is clearly stabilization. By cutting immigration numbers and focusing on domestic manufacturing ("Buy Canadian"), the government is attempting to ease the pressure on the housing market and the cost of living.
Pro-tip: If you think you might be eligible for the new "automatic tax filing" or the "Lost Canadians" citizenship rule, now is the time to gather your documentation.
2026 Ontario Cottage Investment: Kawarthas vs. Haliburton vs Peterborough
If you are choosing between the Kawarthas/Peterborough region and the Haliburton Highlands, you aren't just comparing lakes—you are comparing two distinct investment models. Here is the 2025 breakdown to help you decide where to park your capital and choose the area best for you and your needs in 2026!
Kawarthas & Peterborough: The "Hub & Spoke" Investment
The Kawarthas, anchored by the City of Peterborough, offer an investment profile defined by infrastructure and accessibility.
The Investment Case
The Peterborough Factor: Having a major urban center like Peterborough nearby is a massive de-risking factor. It provides a year-round tenant pool (including professionals and retirees) and essential services (PRHC hospital, Trent University) that drive long-term property value.
The Trent-Severn Advantage: Properties on the "big lakes" (Balsam, Sturgeon, Pigeon) command a premium because of their connection to the Trent-Severn Waterway. In 2025, boat-access-friendly properties continue to see the highest resale liquidity.
Commutability: At just 1.5 to 2 hours from the GTA, this region is the primary choice for the "hybrid worker." Investors here benefit from high demand for long-term rentals and secondary residences for those still tied to city offices.
2025 Market Snapshot
Average waterfront prices in the Kawarthas currently range from $750,000 to $1.2M+. While the market is balanced, prime sunset-facing properties on weed-free shorelines still move quickly.
Haliburton Highlands: The "Nature & Yield" Investment
Haliburton is the rugged, high-altitude alternative. It appeals to a different demographic: those seeking the iconic "Canadian Shield" aesthetic of granite and deep, clear water.
The Investment Case
Superior Rental Yields: Haliburton consistently outperforms the Kawarthas in short-term rental (STR) rates. For investors looking at Airbnb or VRBO, lakes like Kennisis, Redstone, and Drag are "blue-chip" destinations that command significant weekly rates in the summer.
Four-Season Revenue: Haliburton has mastered the "winterized" investment. With Sir Sam’s Ski / Ride and an expansive snowmobile trail network, well-insulated cottages here can generate income 10 months of the year.
Better Value Per Acre: Generally, your dollar goes further in Haliburton. You can often secure a larger lot with more privacy for the same price as a smaller, more "urbanized" lot in the Kawarthas.
2025 Market Snapshot
Median prices in Haliburton hover between $650,000 and $950,000. The region has seen a 3% price growth in 2025, reflecting its growing reputation as a slightly more affordable (yet high-quality) alternative to Muskoka.
Which is Right for You?
Invest in Kawarthas/Peterborough if: You want a "safe bet" with high resale liquidity, proximity to a major city, and a property that is easy to manage due to a wealth of local contractors and year-round accessibility.
Invest in Haliburton if: You are chasing ROI through rentals, prefer a more "authentic" northern experience, and are willing to drive an extra hour to get a more dramatic landscape and higher summer rental checks.
Choosing between these two powerhouses isn't about finding the "better" region—it's about matching your investment horizon to the local landscape. Whether you are looking for the urban-adjacent stability of the Kawarthas or the high-yield, rugged seclusion of Haliburton, 2025 is proving to be a year of strategic opportunity.
2025 Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature
Kawarthas / Peterborough
Haliburton Highlands
Drive Time (from GTA)
1.5 – 2 Hours
2.5 – 3 Hours
Topography
Flat, lush, farmland/limestone
Rugged, hilly, granite/pines
Water Quality
Mixed (some shallow/weedy)
High (deep, clear, spring-fed)
Primary Appeal
Boating & Town Amenities
Privacy & Wilderness Sports
Avg. Waterfront Entry
$750k - $900k
$650k - $850k
The 2025 "Regulatory Check"
Before investing in either region for rentals, you must account for the Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing programs now fully in effect:
Kawartha Lakes: Now requires a formal STR license. Fees and inspections are mandatory, and there is a strict "Renter's Code of Conduct" that owners must enforce.
Haliburton County: Most townships have implemented a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) of 4% and require licensing. Some lakes have specific restrictions on "high-density" occupancy to protect septic systems.
Investor Tip: In 2025, look for properties with "grandfathered" footprints or those that have already passed their municipal STR inspections. These are selling at a premium because they remove the regulatory guesswork.
⚖️ 2025 STR Regulatory Deep Dive
The "Wild West" days of cottage country rentals are officially over. Both regions have moved to sophisticated, enforcement-heavy models that prioritize local resident peace and environmental health (specifically septic systems).
1. Kawartha Lakes: The "Strict Compliance" Model
In the City of Kawartha Lakes (encompassing Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, etc.), the program is now in a high-enforcement phase.
Licensing is Mandatory: Since 2024, every STR (28 days or less) must have a license. Unlicensed units in 2025 face heavy daily fines.
The 30-60 Minute Rule: As an owner, you (or a designated person) must be able to respond to the property within 30 to 60 minutes to address issues. This essentially mandates a local property manager for GTA-based investors.
Occupancy & Septics: Occupancy is strictly capped based on the size of your septic system. In 2025, demerit points are issued for overcrowding; 7 points can lead to a license revocation.
Public Mapping: Your cottage is likely on a public map. This allows neighbors to easily report noise or parking violations through a 24/7 hotline.
2. Haliburton County: The "Yield & Tax" Model
Haliburton’s townships (Dysart et al, Minden Hills, Highlands East, Algonquin Highlands) have unified under a common framework but with varying tax rates.
The MAT Tax: As of 2025, you must collect a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). In most areas, it is 4%, but in Dysart et al, it remains 2%. This must be charged on the room rate and remitted quarterly.
Septic is King: In Dysart et al, occupancy is strictly limited to two people per bedroom. To get your license, you must produce your original septic installation report or a recent inspection. No permit = no license.
The "Secondary Unit" Shift: A major 2025 update in Dysart et al now allows Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be used as STRs, opening up "dual-income" potential on properties with legal bunkies or guest suites.
Signage Requirements: Many townships (like Minden Hills) now require a permanent, visible sign at the end of your driveway with your license number and a 24/7 contact number.
Comparison of Key 2025 Bylaws
Requirement
Kawartha Lakes
Haliburton Highlands
Max Stay
28 Days or less
28 Days or less
Response Time
Mandatory 30-60 Mins
Varies (Responsible Person required)
Tax (MAT)
In development/consultation
2% to 4% (Fully active)
License Fee
Approx. $1,200 (2-year)
Approx. $500 - $1,000 (Annual)
Bunkies
Strictly for sleeping; no kitchens
Legal bunkies allowed as "bedrooms"
💡 Pro Investor Tip for 2025
If you are buying a property for an investment, make the offer conditional on the seller providing or the buyer satisfying themselves that a valid STR license and a septic inspection report can be obtained. This saves you the $1,000+ licensing fee and, more importantly, the risk of finding out the septic system only supports a 2-person occupancy on a 4-bedroom house.
Adding Peterborough County to the mix introduces a "middle ground" strategy. While the City of Peterborough provides the urban anchor, the surrounding townships (like Selwyn, Trent Lakes, and North Kawartha) offer a unique regulatory environment that sits right between the strictness of the Kawartha Lakes and the yield-heavy focus of Haliburton.
Here is how Peterborough County fits into your 2025 investment comparison:
📍 Peterborough County: The "Local Choice" Investment
Peterborough County is effectively a patchwork of different rules. Unlike the City of Kawartha Lakes, which has one set of rules for the whole region, Peterborough County leaves it up to each individual township.
1. The Regulatory Landscape (2025 Update)
2. The Investment Case
Trent Lakes (Buckhorn, Crystal Lake): As of March 4, 2025, Trent Lakes has implemented a Mandatory Registration Program.1You must now pay an annual fee ($350 initial / $250 renewal), submit floor plans, and prove your septic system can handle your guest count.2
Selwyn (Lakefield, Ennismore, Stoney Lake): Interestingly, Selwyn does not license STRs as of late 2025. They rely on "nuisance bylaws" (noise, parking, garbage) rather than a formal licensing fee. This makes it a lower-barrier entry for new investors, though they do charge heavy "inspection fees" if they have to send a bylaw officer to your property.
North Kawartha & Douro-Dummer: These areas are currently the "frontier." While they have been debating licenses for years, they primarily use updated noise and parking bylaws to manage rentals. This provides more freedom but less "regulatory certainty" for long-term planning.
The "Stoney Lake" Prestige: Peterborough County contains some of the most prestigious "old money" lakes in Ontario. While entry prices are high ($1.2M+), the capital appreciation on lakes like Stoney or Clear is historically among the most stable in the province.
Inventory Variety: You can find everything from $600,000 "fixer-upper" cabins in the northern woods of Apsley to $3M estates in Lakefield. This allows for a more tiered investment approach than Haliburton.
📊 Updated 2025 Head-to-Head-to-Head
Feature
Kawartha Lakes
Peterborough County
Haliburton Highlands
Primary Vibe
Accessible / Infrastructure
Prestige / Community Hubs
Rugged / High Yield
STR Licensing
Very Strict ($1,200 fee)
Patchwork (Some yes, some no)
Moderate (MAT Tax & License)
Septic Oversight
High (Mandatory inspections)
Moderate (Required for registration)
High (Strict occupancy limits)
Best For...
Hands-off GTA Investors
"Hybrid" Use (Rent + Personal)
Pure Cash-Flow Seekers
Which Peterborough Township is Right for You?
Invest in Trent Lakes if: You want the Kawartha lifestyle but with a slightly more affordable licensing fee ($350 vs $1,200) and a more "northern" feel.4
Invest in Selwyn if: You want to avoid the headache of formal licensing applications (for now) and want to be within 15 minutes of a major grocery store and hospital.
Invest in North Kawartha if: You want the Haliburton "Shield" look (granite and pines) but want to stay about 30 minutes closer to the GTA.
💡 2025 "Golden Rule" for Peterborough County
Because the rules vary by township, your zoning is your destiny. In 2025, many townships are looking at "Shoreline Residential" (SR) zoning specifically. Ensure your realtor checks the Specific Township Bylaws, not just the County-wide ones, as a property in Selwyn will have completely different rental rights than one five minutes away in Trent Lakes.
The Final Verdict: Lifestyle vs. Leverage
As the 2025 market stabilizes, the choice boils down to your primary goal:
Choose the Kawarthas if you value low-friction ownership. With easier winter access, proximity to the critical care and amenities of Peterborough, and a "commutable" distance to the GTA, this is a lifestyle-first investment that doubles as a reliable long-term asset. It is the "Blue Chip" stock of cottage country: steady, accessible, and high-demand for resale.
Choose Haliburton if you are looking for maximum cash flow. The combination of lower entry prices and premium rental rates makes this the "Growth Stock" play. If you don't mind the extra hour in the car, you are rewarded with the kind of deep-water, granite-shoreline privacy that renters are willing to pay a massive premium for during both the summer heat and the winter snow.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Regardless of which region you choose, the 2025 market has shifted the power back into the hands of the buyer. With inventory levels at a three-year high and interest rates cooling, the "hurry up and bid" era is over. Investors who take their time to find a property with proven STR compliance and four-season capabilities will be the ones best positioned for the next decade of growth.
Your next move? Start by defining your "drive-time tolerance." If a 2-hour cap is non-negotiable, focus your search on the Tri-Lake area (Pigeon, Buckhorn, Chemong). If you’re ready for the deep woods, set your sights on the Dysart et al township in Haliburton for the strongest historical yields.
From the vibrant streets of Peterborough to the serene shores of the Kawarthas and the rugged beauty of Haliburton—I want to answer YOUR questions! 🌲✨
Are you looking to buy, sell, or just curious about what’s happening in our local neighbourhoods?Ask me anything about: ✅ Current home values ✅ Waterfront property tips ✅ Hidden gems in our local communities.Comment your question below! ⬇️#PTBO #Kawarthas #Haliburton #RealEstateQ&A #HomeBuying #WaterfrontLiving #LocalPro
**When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. **
Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca
————————————————
Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands
#realestate #kawarthalakes #realtor #realestateagent #kawarthas #outdoor #cottagelife #lovelocal
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📯CHEMONG LAKE BEAUTY📯
🏠 563 Dalhaven Rd, Ennismore ON K0L 1T0 🏠
🛏 3 🛏 🛁 2 Bath 🛁
🏠 MLS®#: X12487098 🏠
🏠 List Price: $1,189,900 🏠
📣This lovingly designed and crafted Ennismore home spared no detail in quality and comfort! Located on the shores of Chemong Lake, this five-year-old home offers three bedrooms and two baths. The bright, open-concept main floor features a modern, sleek kitchen with a large island, as well as dining and living areas. Note the exceptional use of space to accentuate the views and natural light. Just off the main living space, you will find a three-piece bath and two good-sized bedrooms. The light and airy primary bedroom overlooks the lake, houses a spacious walk-in closet, and has a gorgeous 4-piece ensuite with a soaker tub. The home is heated with in-floor radiant natural gas heat with zone control and a heat pump for additional heat, and summer air conditioning. Each room has been soundproofed, while each plug has its own breaker. Like I said, every detail! An easily connected generator provides peace of mind and comfort when the power is out. The exterior of the property has been designed for easy maintenance. A paved driveway, landscaped yards, a welcoming rear patio with a sliding door entry to the home, and the use of natural trees and plants create a waterfront oasis. A gazebo for outdoor entertaining and a shed for storing toys add to the outdoor features. At the water's edge, the armour stone entry and private dock allow for maximum enjoyment of the water. This home is located on a private road in a quiet area just minutes from Bridgnorth and Peterborough—a wonderful retreat from the outside world. 📣
📞 Call/text Brad today to learn more: 705-927-6236 📞
Brad Sinclair
Sales Representative
RE/MAX Professionals North
#bradsinclair#bradsinclairteam#chemonglake#waterfront#waterfrontliving#waterfronthome#chemonglakewaterfront#waterfrontpropertyforsale#peterboroughrealestate#remaxprofessionalsnorth**When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. **
Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca
————————————————
Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands
#realestate#kawarthalakes#realtor#realestateagent#kawarthas#outdoor#cottagelife#lovelocal
Social Media Marketing- #instagram#facebook#google
Escape to the ultimate country retreat on the peaceful 5th Line of Douro. Perfectly positioned on a quiet dead-end street and set well back from the road, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home offers unmatched privacy on a sprawling 1.5-acre lot surrounded by serene farmland. Step inside to discover a home that has been meticulously updated from top to bottom. The heart of the home is the brand-new (2024) custom kitchen and dining area, designed for gathering. The main floor features three spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms (including a 2021 renovation), while the fully finished basement (renovated 2019/2020) adds a fourth bedroom and third bathroom—perfect for guests or a growing family. The real showstopper, however, is the backyard oasis. An entertainer’s wonderland awaits, featuring a massive deck (2021), a heated pool (2022) for summer fun, and a relaxing hot tub (2017). Whether you are hosting under the gazebos or gathering around the professionally built campfire pit, this property is designed for making memories. Rest easy knowing the mechanicals are top-tier, including a steel roof (2023), new furnace and heat pump (2018), solar hot water (2019), and a backup generator (2019). This is rural privacy without the maintenance headaches. Welcome home.
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